Proposed Regulation Bolsters Legal Foundation of DACA and Provides Financial Flexibility to DACA Recipients

PROPOSED REGULATION BOLSTERS LEGAL FOUNDATION OF DACA AND PROVIDES FINANCIAL FLEXIBILITY TO DACA RECIPIENTS
Rule proposed to shore up DACA in light of legal challenges

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 28, 2021
CONTACT: Jose Magaña-Salgado (jose@presidentsalliance.org) 

WASHINGTON, D.C.—In response to the proposed regulation formally implementing Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), the Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration released the below statement. The Presidents’ Alliance will also submit a comment during the 60-day comment period with recommendations on how to implement and expand DACA.

Miriam Feldblum, Executive Director of the Presidents’ Alliance, stated: “We welcome the U.S. Department of Homeland Security issuing the proposed rule on DACA with the goal of strengthening the legal underpinnings of DACA.  While most DACA recipients need work authorization to support themselves, their families, and pursue their education and careers, we welcome the continued ability for DACA recipients to apply for work authorization while providing the financial flexibility for others to not request work permits and save the nearly $500 required to apply for employment authorization.  

Yet, of the over 420,000 undocumented students estimated to be enrolled in higher education, less than half are eligible for DACA. This number includes many undocumented immigrant students who really know no other country other than this one, who have grown up here, who have graduated from primary, secondary, and high schools in states across this country.  At colleges and universities, we witness their talent and dedication, and celebrate their contributions and achievement. They deserve protection from deportation, work authorization and, even more, a pathway to citizenship  Ultimately, there is no permanent administrative solution to their quandary. The proposed rule underscores the urgency and imperative of a legislative solution that would provide a pathway to citizenship for all Dreamers.”

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The nonpartisan, nonprofit Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration brings college and university presidents and chancellors together on the immigration issues that impact higher education, our students, campuses, communities and nation. We work to advance just, forward-looking immigration policies and practices at the federal, state, and campus levels that are consistent with our heritage as a nation of immigrants and the academic values of equity and openness. The Alliance is composed of over 500 presidents and chancellors of public and private colleges and universities, enrolling over five million students in 43 states, D.C., and Puerto Rico.